Chargers linebacker Merriman ruled out for season

San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman is to undergo knee surgery and will miss the rest of the season, the team said on Tuesday.

Merriman’s decision came after the heavily favored Chargers lost 26-24 to Carolina on Sunday, a game in which Merriman made just two tackles and no sacks.

“Shawne informed me he did not feel right and thought it best to shut it down,” Chargers general manager A.J. Smith said in a statement. “The road to winning the AFC West just got more difficult, but not impossible.

“Nothing is impossible. Shawne is a great player and an inspirational leader. He will be missed. We wish him a successful surgery and a speedy recovery.”

Merriman said during pre-season training camp that he had torn ligaments in his left knee but he decided to play through the pain.

His loss is a major blow for the Chargers, who started the season as one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl.